Paul House

Chairman, CEO & President TDL Corp. (Tim Hortons)

2007 Distinguished Leader

Paul House was born on a farm in Stoney Creek, Ontario in 1944. Paul began his work in the food and service business at an early age, marketing the family farm’s fruits and vegetables at the Hamilton Farmer’s Market. Throughout his formative years, Paul and his brother Bob continued their roots by working and managing peach farms along the Niagara Peninsula.

In 1969, Paul graduated with a B.A. in Economics from McMaster University. Shortly thereafter, he managed a franchise for Shell Oil Company in Hamilton. Sparked by his passion for business and his roots in the food business, Paul joined Dairy Queen Canada Inc. as a District Manager in 1972. Although his original goal was to be a franchisee, Paul climbed the corporate ladder at Dairy Queen. He was a Director of Purchasing and Vice-President of Canadian Operations.

In 1985, Paul joined The TDL Group Corp. as Vice-President of Marketing. At that time, there were just over 200 Tim Hortons locations. Two years later, Paul became Senior Vice-President of Operations and in 1990, he was appointed to Executive Vice-President of Operations. In January of 1993, Paul was named Chief Operating Officer (COO) of TDL, and then President and COO in 1995. In 2006, Paul became Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and President, and in February 2007, was appointed Chairman of the Board.

Under Paul’s leadership, TDL and the Tim Hortons chain have achieved outstanding growth and success. Tim Hortons has emerged as an industry leader by expanding its menu choices, transforming store designs and introducing par baking. Throughout the changes, the chain has retained its community roots and commitment to friendly service, fresh product and great value.

In 2004, Paul was awarded the Ontario Hostelry Institute’s Chairman’s Gold Award and the Foodservice Consultants Society International Trendsetter Award for his innovation, creativity and unique and lasting contributions to the foodservice industry. In 2005, he received The Friends of We Care Hall of Fame Award for his significant contributions to the growth and development of the foodservice and hospitality industry. Even in his executive role, Paul has managed to maintain his “regular guy” style and approach to management and remains humble about his accomplishments.

Today, Paul sits on the Board of Directors for the Tim Horton Children's Foundation. He is a member of the Goodman School of Business Dean's Advisory Council and an honorary member of Goodman's chapter of Beta Gamma Sigma. He resides in the Hamilton area, enjoys regular hunting and fishing expeditions and time at his cottage on Lake Erie with his two children.